Hundreds of well-wishers ensured there was a warm welcome for the Prince of Wales as he arrived in the North-East today for a day-long list of engagements.

Schoolchildren from across Sunderland were waiting outside the city's railway station to greet the royal visitor and they cheered as he emerged in front of the crowds.

The prince appeared to be pleased with the reception he got from the shoppers and children who were waiting behind barriers amid scenes of tight security.

He chatted briefly with a number of people and Charles, dressed in a navy blue overcoat, striped shirt and blue tie, shook hands with many of the well-wishers.

He spoke to Muriel Lloyd, 65, of Barnes, Sunderland, who said afterwards: ''I told him we were pleased to see him here.

''We are really royalist and went to London for the Jubilee and always like to see the Royal Family up here.

''I even fly the flag from my bungalow.''

Mrs Lloyd added: ''I really think Charles is very caring.''

Charles was spending the day visiting a steam museum on the outskirts of Sunderland, and a mental health project there, before viewing the transformed quayside in Gateshead and officially opening a children's unit at a Newcastle hospice.